Machine for producing metal fasteners and applying same to the gathered neck of a flexible container



Feb. 12, 1963 A. L. SMITH ETAL 3,076,970 MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO; 'IHE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 21627751! eaZ 472279772 W M ZM W Z ,w

10 Sheets-$heet 2 WQEN I RE A. L. SMITH ETAL MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAI; FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO THE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER Feb. 12, 1963 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 Feb. 12,1963 A. L. SMITH ETAL 3,076,970

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING ME'IA-L FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO THE GATHERED NECKOF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER Filed Sept. 6, 19.60 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 w\\ s ME g mw Feb. 12, 1963 r A. 1.. SMITH ETAL 3,076,970

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME 'ro THE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER Filed Sept 6, 1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ma ml Feb. 12, 1963 A. L. SMITH ETAL 3,076,970

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO THE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 Feb. 12, 1963 A. 'L. SMITH ETAL 3,

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO THE GATHERED NEGK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 A rm A:

Feb. 12, 1963 A. L. sMrrH ETAL 3,076,970

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO THE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER 10 Shets-Sheet 8 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 Feb. 12, 1963 A. SMITH ETAL 3,076,970

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METALFASTENERS AND APPLYING SAME TO THE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Feb 12, 1963 A. L. SMITH ETAL 3 076 MACHINE FOR PRODUCING METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYIIBIG SAME TO THE GATHERED macx OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER 1O Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 rill/11111111111111 Ill/11111111171111! 7 1111 (ail/4414.555 114 United States PatentC MACHHNE FGR PRQDUCENG METAL FASTENERS AND APPLYING AME T6 'liiill GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CGNTAINER Alfred L. Smith, Westiield, .lohn E. Gohring, Scotch Plains, and William R. Gohring, Osbornsville, NJZ, assiguors, by mesne assignments, to American Fastener Corporation Filed Sept. 6, 1960., Ser. No. 54,294 7 Claims. (ill. 1-466) This invention relates to a machine for automatically making an individual metal fastener from strip stock and applying the fastener as an encircling band around the gathered neck of a flexible container to thereby retain the container in the closed position.

Flexible, transparent containers find increasing use in numerous industries for purposes of product preservation, sanitation, enhancement of appearance and also as economical means for packaging assorted items. Examples of such uses are plastic and natural animal casings for sausages and other compacted meat products, thin plastic bags for poultry, ham, etc., and more rugged plastic bags for produce, chemicals, liquids and small parts. In general, the open neck of the filled casing is twisted or gathered together and is sealed in such condition by a metal fastener.

It is highly desirable that the metal fastener be of such character that:

(1) It can he applied quickly and easily to the gathered neck of the container,

(2) It is free of sharp edges to eliminate possible puncturing of the container material either during the fastenerapplying operation or upon subsequent handling of the encased product, 7.

(3) It has a smooth outer wall free of protuberances, to prevent possible entanglement with other similar containers haphazardly disposed in a shipping carton or on a display counter,

(4) It forms a positive container closure, and

(5) It can be made economically.

A machine made in accordance with this invention produces and applies fasteners in a manner which meets the above-stated requirements.

Briefly, the machine comprises means accepting the forward end of a continuous length of strip stock having a predetermined cross-sectional configuration, means for intermittently advancing the forward end of the strip stock a predetermined distance to a cut-off station, means severing the strip stock to form an individual flat fastener of predetermined length and means for applying the fastener tightly about the gathered neck of a container in the form of a substantially circular band. The cutting oil of the end of the strip stock and the securing thereof to the container neck is performed as a continuous operation.

Numerous forms of bag-sealing machines are presently available most of which are designed for operation with individual, preformed fasteners of one or another specific form. However, such machines require a hopper for carrying the preformed fasteners and an aligning mechanism to feed the individual fasteners to the forming dies in a given orientation. One difliculty with such machines lies in the frequent jamming of the fasteners in the aligning mechanism. Further, a preformed fastener of given size is useful only for securing casings of a given size and. material thickness and the conditioning of the machine to operate with other fasteners of a different size involves a major operation often requiring a changing of the forming dies. Still further, the necessary construction of a machine for operation on individual, preformed fasteners (which involves a crimping operation to secure the fastener to the container neck) is such'that occasionally one of the fasteners flies out of the machine. While such action may be of no particular consequence in general applications, it is of serious importance in the compacted meat industry wherein the prepared meat product is contained in open Wagons prior to transfer to the casingstufrlng apparatus. The possibility or loose fasteners finding their way into the meat product is the reason why this particular type of machine cannot be installed in the meat room, that is, the room where the casings are filled with the meat product under pressure. Consequently, it presently is necessary to tie a cord temporarily about each casing neck for movement of the stuffed casings to th fastener-applying machine.

Machines have also been provided for applying metal fasteners to flexible containers and wherein the individual fasteners are cut from a continuous supply stock. These have found only limited use primarily by reason of the fact that it is necessary to apply a crimping operation to secure the fastener firmly on the casing neck. Such operation, which often punctures the bag material, is made necessary by the fact that the machines are not provided with means for readily adjusting the size of the fastener to conform to the particular size of the gathered casing neck.

Further, the machines are so designed and constructed that a given machine is made for use by either a righthanded or left-handed operator.

A machine made as described herein is not open to the objections of prior machines, is of light weight so that it is readily portable, is of small size thereby occupyinga minimum of space, is of simple and positive operation,

is not restricted to a spccific'operator dexterity, is conveniently adjustable by an inexperienced operator for use with different size containers, applies the fastener to the casing as a'neat, tightly-secured circular band of pleasing appearance and reduces the cost of making and applying the fasteners to a minimum.

An object of this invention is the provision of novel apparatus for producing metal fasteners and applying the same about a flexible container to retain same in a sealed.

condition.

An object of this invention is the provision of an automatic machine for producing individual fasteners from a continuous, pro-formed strip of ductible metal, and applying each fastener as a securely-affixed, encircling band about the gathered neck of a flexible container.

An object of this invention is the provision of a machine of this character wherein the formation of the individual fastener and the securing thereof to the casing neck is performed as a continuous operation.

An object of this invention is the provision of an automatic machine for producing and applying a metal fastener to the gathered neck of a flexible container which machine comprises an operating station for accepting the gathered neck of the container, a pair of forming dies operable from a normal open position spaced from the operating station to a closed position, automatic meansfor operating the dies through one complete operating cycle upon insertion of a gathered casing neck into the operating station, and means effected upon each operating cycle of the dies to advance an individual, flat fastener into the operating station whereby closure of the dies applies the fastener as a substantially circular band'about tion will become apparent from the following detailed Patented Feb. 12, lass description when taken with the accompanying drawings. It will be understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of description and are not to be construed as defining the scope or limits of the invention, reference being had for the latter purpose to the claims appended hereto.

In, the drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts in the several views:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view showing the complete machine;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view showing the right side of the machine, and with the housing covers removed;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the. line III-III of FIGURE 2, drawn to an enlarged scale, and shows the supply spool mounted in the operative position;

FIGURE, 4 is a, cross-sectional view taken along the line I V.-I' V of FIGUREZ and showing how the driving air cylinder is secured in position;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIGURE 2 and shows the mechanism for feeding the strip stock to the cut-off station of. the machine;

FIGURE 6 is an, elevational view similar to FIGURE 2;and showing the left; side of the machine with the covers removed;

FIGURE 7, is avertical, cross-sectional view; taken, alongrtheline; VII-..-VI I of, FIGURE 6 and showing a.

portion of the linkage mechanism controlling operation f ermach FIGURE. 7A is-a-fragmentary, elevational'view showing the linkage mechanism in position for starting operationof the machine;

FIGURE 8i s a similarview showing the linkage mechanism inthe position occupied when the pistonrod isat its upper limit of travel;

FIGURE 9 is a, top view of, the machine, with thehousingcovers; removed and with certain parts omitted; FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary, side viewof the front endof themachine, similartoFIGURE 2 but drawn-to an; enlarged scale and with the-die plate removed to expose the forming dies and relatedmachine components; 'FIGURE 11 is a vertical, cross-sectional view taken snsh n X f F G RE FIGURE 12, is-an elevational view showing the front fac z e d e-pla e;

FIGURE-'l3 ;is-;a similar; view showing the rear face of the die plate;

. FIGURE-14 3a vertical, cross-sectional view taken a1 ns-the. ,X I ,V of FIG RE-1 FIGURE 15 is a; fragmentary, side view, similar to FIGURE ltlbut drawn to a stillfurtherenlarged scale,

and-showing theforrningdiesin fully open position; FIGURE 16 is'similar to FIGURE 15, but-showing the ies-impa a ly sedpo t FIGURE he di s-:m ullv qse p iti FIGUREJS ;is,a;verti cal, cross-sectional view-taken lqngz li HIT'QWIII ,O I UR 1ousE tsnsihe 1e.- jlXx ;X- f:-F RE FIGURE ZQ, is ;a-,vert ical, cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX of FIGURE 17;

; FIGURE-21 is an isometric view of one of the spring biasedslides which'serve to prevent undesirable deformation of the twisted container neck duringthe. fastenerpp i s pe t o FIGURE 22 is an isometric view showing the forming dies; ,and.

FIGURE 23, is an enlarged, fragmentary, central, crosssectional view showinga fastener applied to a container.

Reference is first made to FIGURE 1 showing the complete machine... A vertical mounting plate is rigidly ,secured tos a base plate .11, As will be described in -;17 is sirnilanto FIGURE but showing 9 ,is; a vertical, cross-sectional view taken detail hereinbelow, the mounting plate constitutes a chassis ror supporting most of the operatingcomponentsof the machine. A pair of complementary housing covers 12., 13 enclose all of the operating components with the exception of those which desirably should be externally available for normal machine operation. Such covers may be secured in place in any suitable manner as, for example, suitable hinges and snap locks or, as shown in the drawing, by suitable screws 13. In any event, the covers are removable to afford ready access to the internal machine components. 7

At the front end of the machine, one surface of the mounting plate 10 is recessed to accommodate a die plate 14, which plate is provided with a slot aligned with a corresponding slot formed in the mounting plate thereby forming an entrance slot 15. A portion of the side walls defining this slot in the mounting plate are recessed thereby forming a raceway 16 having a width exceeding that of the slot 15. The slot 15 constitutes a guideway for directing the twisted, or gathered neck of a flexible container, such as the illustrated casing .17 containing a compacted meat product, to the fastener-applying station, it being noted that the forward end of the slot 15 diverges along smooth curves to facilitate entry of the casing neck into the slot. On the other. hand, the raceway 16 permits the withdrawal. of the casing neck after the fastener has been secured thereto, which may be more clearly understood. as the description proceeds.

The operation of'themachine is completely automatic.

is spring biased so that an end thereofnormally-protrudes into the fastener applying station. As the operator moves a twisted casing neck along the slot 15 to the inner end thereof, the casing engages the protruding end of'the trip finger causing same to move from its normal position. This actuates, through a linkage mechanism, a control member thereby causing the machine to perform a complete operating cycle. Such operating cycle includes the relative movement of a pair of forming dies from the normally open position to a closed position. The relative movement of the dies first cuts a predetermined length of strip from a continuous metal ribbon carried by a supply roll, thereby forming an individual metal fastener. Further relative movement of the dies forms" the normally-flat-fastener into an encircling band firmly applied to the casing neck. The dies then separate, the stock material is advanced a predetermined distance and the machine returns to the original, standby'position ready for-repeating the operating cycle. The sealed casing may now-be withdrawn from the machine with the metal, encircling band slidable along the raceway. 16.

The manually-rotatable knob. 19 provides means for adjusting. the relative spacing between the upper, relatively-stationary'forming die and the lower, verticallyreciprocatlng die. A precise adjustment of the relative spacing between the .two dies-is facilitated by the calibration markings carried by the flange 20 and the fixed refer-' ence mark M, the flange being rotatable as'a unit with theknob .19. The rotatableknob 21, on the otherhand,

mechanism is efiective.

When the machine is to beused for sealingcasings" containing meat products, the base, covers, central mounting plate and the die plate preferably are made of stain-' less steel, to meet the sanitation requirements of such industry and ,because of the salt atmosphere prevailing in the meat room.

Reference is. now made to FIGURE 2 which is an-elevational view showing the right side of the machine with the housing covers removed. The center, vertical mount ingplate 10.is provided with integral lugs 25 whereby the plate is. securely fastened tothe base 10 by means of screws 26 passing through clearance holes in the lugs and into threaded holes formed in the base. Four suction cups 27 are provided when it is desired to operate the machine on a table or bench and yet be able to move the machine to a different location. Inasmuch as the machine weighs only approximately 35 pounds, it is portable and readily movable from station to station within the plant of the user. Obviously, when the machine is to occupy a more or less permanent position, it can readily be bolted or otherwise secured to an appropriate stand, table or other support.

The rear portion of the mounting plate 19 accommodates a spool 28 which is rotatably mounted and which carries many hundreds of feet of ductile metal in the form of a continuous strip, or ribbon, of the proper crosssectional dimension, from which the individual fasteners are cut during operation of the machine. In order to provide a large supply of the strip stock material, the supply spool has an axial width exceeding that of the mounting plate, as shown clearly in FIGURE 3, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIGURE 2. A spool-mounting bracket 29 is secured in spaced relation to the mounting plate it by the screws 30 and the spacing bushings 31. A shaft 33, having a reduced diameter, threaded end 32 passing through a central hole in the bracket 29, is secured firmly to the bracket by a nut 34 and the opposite end of the shaft is provided with a threaded, axial hole which receives the threaded shank 35 of the knurled locking bolt 36. It will be noted that the axial length of the shaft 32 is slightly longer than the axial Width of the spool 28 whereby the spool is free to rotate about the shaft even though the bolt 36 is firmly threaded into the shaft hole.

Referring back to FIGURE 2, it will be seen that the vertical mounting plate is provided with a circular hole 37 of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the spool flanges so that the supply spool may readily be inserted into the operative position or removed therefrom. Normally, the supply spool carries a length of stock material sufdcient to make 10,000 individual fasteners. As shown in the drawing, the free end 39, of the stock mate rial, passes to a feed station 49, the function of the mechanism at the feed station being to advance the supply stock a predetermined extent to the cut-off and fastener applying station, designated 41.

The machine is air-operated, preferably at an air pressure of 100 pounds per square inch, air supplies of this character being generally available in plants having need for a machine of this type. At the moment it will sunice to point out that the driving force for the machine is derived from the piston rod 45 of an air cylinder as. The air cylinder is of conventional type and is enclosed within a conforming casing terminating in integral ears 47 provided with suitable holes to receive the set screws 48 which are threaded into correspondingly threaded holes in the vertical mounting plate lit), to thereby secure the air cylinder to the plate. Top and bottom cap plates 69 and 59, respectively, are secured by means of'the bolts 51, said plates, together with the cylindrical casing, constituting a sturdy enclosure for the air cylinder. Reference is made to FIGURE 4 to complete the description of the air cylinder and the mounting means therefor. It will be noted that the air cylinder 46 is positioned cen trally of the vertical mounting plate It the latter being provided with a generally rectangular opening 52 for this purpose. In such arrangement, the piston rod 45 moves in the plane of the mounting plate 10 and the center of the piston rod falls on a center line drawn through the middle of the mounting plate. A threaded stud 55, carrying a nut 56 on one end, passes through a hole in the piston rod. A bushing 57 is threaded on the other end of the stud, thereby securing the stud to the piston rod, and such bushing is provided with a reduced-diameter end 58 which passes through a hole 59 formed in a crank arm 69.

Reverting back to FIGURE 2, it will be seen that the hole 59* in the crank arm 6t? is of elongated shape and that the crank arm is pivotally supported on the mounting plate 10 by means of a suitable screw 61 passing through a clearance hole in the crank arm. For the moment, assume that the piston rod 45 moves vertically upward, under the influence of air admitted to the air cylinder 46. During the initial upward stroke of the piston rod, the bushing end 58 merely moves within the elongated crank slot 59. However, when the bushing end engages the upper wall defining the slot 59, further upward movement of the piston rod causes a corresponding rotation of the crank 6%} about its pivot axis 61. Upon completion of the subsequent down stroke of the piston rod the crank arm 69" will be returned to the position shown in the drawing. This oscillatory movement of the crank arm actuates mechanism for the proper feeding of the metal strip stock to the cut-off station, as will now be described.

A collar 65 is pivotally secured to the right end of the crank arm 6t and is provided with a central clearance hole for the lower, threaded end of the rod 66. A similar collar 67 is pivotally secured to the arm 68, of a mechanical clutch 69, and is provided with a central hole accommodating the upper end of the rod 66. The rod 66 may be secured to the collar 67 as by the screw 70. A bushing 71 is similarly secured to the rod 66 and abuts the collar 65 thereby establishing a fixed spacing between the end of the crank arm 6% and the arm 68 of the clutch; Consequently, any counterclockwise rotation of the crank arm will result in a corresponding counterclockwise rota tion of the clutch arm. However, the extent of the angular rotation of the clutch arm, upon clockwise rotation of the crank arm, is determined by the setting of the knurled adjustment nut '72 operating on the lower, threaded end of the rod 66. Specifically, if the nut 72 is threaded so that its'inner face abuts the collar 65, the angular rotation of the clutch arm 68 in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction will correspond precisely to the respective downward and upward movement of the right hand end of the crank arm 6!}. However, when the adjusting nut 72 is spaced from the collar 65, the initial downward movement of the crank arm produces no rotation of the clutch arm. Inasmuch as the stroke of the piston rod 45 is a fixed predetermined distance, it will be apparent that adjustment of the nut '72 presets the amount of angular rotation imparted to the clutch for each cycle of piston rod movement. A self-locking type nut 73 prevents complete dises agement of the adjusting nut 72 from the rod 66 and the spring '74 aids in restoring the clutch arm to the normal position. The mechanical clutch 69 is so arranged that it slips upon clockwise rota tion of the clutch-arm and rotates the shaft 75 upon counterclockwise rotation of the clutch arm. It is the rotation of the shaft 75 which results in a predetermined advance of the strip stock 39 from the supply spool to the cut off station 41 as will now be described with specific reference to FIGURE 5 which essentially is a cross-sectional View taken along the line VV ofPiG- URE 2. i

As shown inFIGURE 5, the vertical mounting platc It) is provided with a generally rectangular opening Stl to accommodate the two wheels 81 and 82. Wheel 31 is secured to the shaft 75 which also carries the mechanical clutch 69 and the wheel 82 is secured to the shaft 83 car-' rying the knurled knob 21 (see also FIGURE 1). The opening in the mounting plate 10 is closed by a plate 84 which is secured to the mounting plate by screws 85 (as shown in FIGURE 2) and a similar plate 86 is secured to the opposite surface of the mounting plate It These closure plates 84 and 36 are provided with. aligned sets of holes which accommodate suitable bearings 87 and 88 for the respective shafts 75 and 83. The peripheral sur face of the wheel 81 is knurled whereas the peripheral surface of the wheel-32 has cemented thereto a rubber ring 89 and the normal spacing between these wheels is less than the thickness of the metal ribbon stock. Secured to the other ends of the shafts 75 and 83 are meshed similar gears 90 whereby the wheels 81 and 82 rl'nust rotate simultaneously and in opposite directions. Thus,- when the clutch 69 rotates the shaft 75, and assuming the strip stock 39 has already been fed between the wheels, the pressure exerted against the strip by the rubber surface of wheel 32, together with the knurled surface on wheel 81, assures a linear advancement of the ribbon cor responding preceisely to the extent of angular rotation of the shaft 75 by the clutch. Advancement of the strip stock can also be effected manually by rotation of the knob 21. Such action is required to feed the end of a new strip of stock material between the wheels and for advancing such strip end to the cut-off station in order to condition the machine for immediate operation. Also, occasion may require the manual advancement of a random length of ribbon through the machine without the actual formation and application of fasteners to casings, as when portions ofthe supply ribbon are defective. As shown in FIG- URE 2, the opening 37 formed in the mounting plate includes an extended section 95 which converges toward the feed station 40 to form aguide opening for the manual direction of the end of the strip 39 into the space between the feed wheels. Once the end of the strip strikes the surface of either wheel, rotation of the knob 21 will force thestrip stock to pass between the wheels and along a guideway'leading to the cut-off station 41.

Beforerleaving FIGURE 2, it may be well to point out that they machine is connectable to a source of air under pressure by means of snap-on coupling connected to the \coupling 96 extending externally of the machine housing. Air from the source is directed to a coupling box 97 through a tube 98. Air, at source pressure, is directed to a control valve, located onthe opposite side of the mounting plate 10, through a line 99, whereas a suitable pressure reducer, in the box 97, provides air at a pressure of approximately pounds per square inch in the line 100 for the purpose of positively driving the piston rod ina downward direction to its normal position during the return cycle of machine operation. Attention is directedto the end of the trip finger 101 visible at the inner end of the slot 15. Thisfinger extends axially of the slot and movement thereof to the right (by means of a gathered casing neck) starts the operating cycle of the machine, as will be described'in detail hereinbelow. Attention is also directed to the die plate 14 which is secured to-the mounting plate 10 by flush, set screws 102 and which has been 'mentioned'with reference to FIGURE 1; The function'of' the die. plate will also be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to FIGURES 12-14.

Referenceisnow made'to FIGURE 6, which is similar to ;FIGURE 2 but showing the left side of the machine. The integral lugs 25? and the cooperating bolts 26' correspond to the similar lugs 25 andbolts 26 shown in FIG- URE 2, from which it will be apparent that the vertical mounting plate 10 is rigidly secured to the base 11. The supply'spool 28, rotatably; mounted on the bracket 29, carties the stock material 39, which material is advanced peri= odically by the feed, station 40 to 'the-cut-off station 41. Air, at substantially sourcepressure, is supplied to the control valve 105 bytheline 99 (see also FIGURE 2). The valve 105 is of conventional construction and supplies air, at line pressure, to the air cylinder through the line 106 when the pivoted control lever 107 is tilted to the left, thereby resulting in an upward movement of the piston rod 45, the latter being movable in the opening 108 formed in the vertical mounting plate 10. As shown in the drawing, the valve control lever 107 normally is biased in aclockwise direction by a spring 109 and in such position of the lever the fiow of air is cut off from the air cylinder. Actuation of the control lever 107 to the left, valve open position is accomplished by a linkage mechanism controlled by the position of the, trip finger 101 having an end disposed at the base of the slot 15. The trip finger is slidable within a suitable slot formed in the mounting plate 10, includes a forwardly bent portion passing through the plate hole 110, and has its external end pivotally secured to a vertical arm 111 as by a rivet 112. As best shown in FIGURE 7, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIGURE 6, the vertically-depending arm 111 is secured to the cover plate 86 by a screw 113 passing through an axial hole provided in the spacer bushing 114, thereby clearing the feed-station drive gears 90. Such bushing is provided with a reduced-diameter forward end passing through a clearance hole formed in the arm 111 so that when the screw 113 is threaded firmly in position the arm is freely rotatable. An auxiliary arm 115 has one end firmly secured to the arm 111, as by the rivets 116, and. the other end offset and parallel to the lower portion of the arm 111. The lower ends of the parallel arms 111 and 115 span a transverse arm 117 and carry a pin 118 that normally is disposed within a notch formed in the lower edge of the arm 117, as best seen in FIGURE 6.; A tension spring 119 biases the pivoted vertical arm 111 in a counterclockwise direction. v i

As shown in' FIGURE 6, the end of the trip finger 101 extends into the slot 15 and the actuating mechanism is in normal, standby, position, that is the machine is in condition ready for operation. When a twisted casing neck is inserted along the slot 15, the bag neck contacts the end of the trip finger 101. A further, slight, inward move ment of the bag neck results in a movement of the trip finger to the left. It is here pointed out that the bag neck occupies the fastener-applying position when the end of the trip finger is displaced only a short distance to the point where the forward end of the finger coincides with the wall forming the enlarged circular opening at the inner end of the slot 15. Movement of the trip finger to the left (see FIGURE 7A) results in a clockwise rotation of the vertical arm 111 which, in turn, results in a movement of the transverse arm 117 to the left by reason of the pin 118 striking the sharp wall defining the notch in the arm 117. The left end of the transverse arm 117 is'pivotally secured to the valve-operating lever 107. Con sequently, the leftward movement of the arm 11,7 rotates the control lever 107 in a counterclockwise direction and the dinkage mechanism is so designed that the described displacement of the trip finger moves the control lever to the ON position. In such position of the lever 107, the control valve 105 admits air from the line 99 to the line 106 thereby driving the piston rod 45 upward.

As the piston rod moves upwardly, the screw 55 engages the right hand end of the transverse arm 117 causing the same to rotate about its pivot connection to the control lever 107. As has been explained with reference to FIGURE 7, the pivoted, vertical arm 111 is spaced from the plate 86 to clear the gears 90. Consequently, the transverse lever 117 includes a double bend to the. right of the pin 118, such bend bringing the right hand end of the lever 117 proximate to the piston rod for proper engagement by the screw 55. The counterclockwise rotation ofth'e lever 117, by the piston rod screw 55; causes the pin 118 'to' become disengaged from the notch; as shown in FIGURE 8. It must be remembered that at this point in the machine operating cycle, the twisted neck of the casing is still disposed at the fastener'applying station, that is, at the innermost end of the slot 15 (FIG- URE 6) and, therefore, the trip finger 101 retains the vertical arm 111 in the clockwise, displaced position. Once the pin 118 becomes disengaged from the transverse arm 117 the tension spring 109 returns the control lever 107 to the OFF position, it being clear that the right hand end of the arm 117 is free to slideover the screw 55 as the spring 109 rotates the lever 107 to the OFF position illustrated in FIGURE 8. The mechanism is so arranged that the pin 118 becomes disengaged'from the lever 117 when the piston rod 45 reaches, the end of its" 9. upward stroke by which time the forming dies have applied a metal fastener around the neck of the casing.

A return of the control lever it to the OFF position closes the control valve 1655 thereby shutting off the airflow in the line 1% to the air cylinder, see FIGURE 6. When this occurs, air at a substantially reduced pressure, approximately 15 pounds per square inch, is effective and drives the piston rod to its original position. Referring to FIGURE 2, the reduced pressure air is supplied to the air cylinder through the line 103, a suitable pressure reducer being provided in the connection box 97. Reverting back to FIGURE 6, a high pressure vent valve 129 communicates with the upper chamber of the air cylinder and is effective to vent the air above the piston during the upward drive stroke of the piston rod.

A return of the piston rod to its initial, lowermost position will permit the transverse arm 1 17 (see FIG- URE 8) to rest upon the pin 113 which remains displaced to the left as long as the trip finger Itill remains displaced, that is, as long as the casing neck is disposed at the base of the slot 15. Inasmuch as the entire operating mechanism is enclosed within the machine housing, it is impossible for the user to cause a second actuation of the machine. However, when the sealed casing is removed from thetslot 15, the spring 119 returns the vertical lever- 111 to the original, vertical position wherein the pin 118 is again disposed within the notch formed in the transverse lever 117. Simultaneously, the end of the trip finger is returned to its original position and the machine is in condition for performing another operat ing cycle.

Before proceeding to the description of the cut off and fastener-applying operation it appears desirable to refer briefly to FIGURE 9 which is a top View of the machine but with parts omitted to facilitate an understanding of the machine assembly. Here are shown the vertical mounting plate It having integral, oppositelydirected lugs 25 and 25 and cooperating bolts as, 26' which secure the mounting plate rigidly to the base 11. The supply spool 28 is rotatably supported by the bracket arm 29 and is of relatively large axial width thereby to carry a long length of the metal strip stock from which the individual fasteners are cut. The strip passes between the cooperating wheels at the feed station, the manually-rotatable knob 21 and the upper drive gear 96 being visible in the drawing. At the proper time in the operating cycle of the machine, the feed wheels advance a predetermined length of the strip to the cut oh and fastener-applying station disposed above the air cylinder 46. Relative adjustment of the spacing between the forming dies, which apply the flat, cut-off piece of strip stock as an encircling band around the twisted casing neck, is controlled by the manually-rotatable knob 19 having a flange 20 carrying calibration markings aliguable with the fixed reference mark M engraved, orotherwise formed, on the top surface of the vertical mounting plate.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 10 which is a fragmentary, elevational view showing the right side f the machine (similar to FIGURE 2) but with the die plate 14 removed. As stated above, this face of the vertical mounting plate 1th is recessed to receive the die plate such that the outer surface of the die plate will lie flush with that of the mounting plate. A vertical die channel 124, extending above and below the slot 15 and of rectangular cross-section, is formed in the plate 10 and accommodates the upper, relatively fixed forming die 125 and the lower, complementary, movable die 126. The forward surfaces of these dies lie flush with the contiguous surface of the milled out portion of the mounting plate so that when the die plate 14 (see FIGURE 2) is secured in position, the dies are confined yet slidably movable within the die channel 124. As will be described in detail, with specific reference to FIGURE 15,

the upper die is mechanically coupled to the threaded shank of the knob 19, such shank operating in a cor: respondingly-threaded hole provided in the block 129,- The block 129 is firmly secured to the mounting plate 10 whereby rotation of the knob 19 constitutes a means for precisely setting the position of the relatively-fixed upper die 125 with respect to the lower movabledie 1245. thereby to condition the machine for operation with a twisted casing neck having a given, nominal diameter. The upper end of the piston rod 55' is milled to a reduced thickness to match a reversely-milled section at the lower end of the die 126 whereby, when the die is secured to the piston rod, as by the pin 13%, the outer surfaces of these parts are flush with the contiguous surface of the mounting plate.

An insert plate 132, of hardened steel, is disposed in a milled-out portion of the surrounding plate 10 and is secured to the mounting plate 19 by screws, not shown. and the forward surface thereof is flush with the contiguous surface of the mounting plate. The milled-out portion of the plate It? has a width exceeding that of the insert plate, whereby the lower face of said IIlllifid. out portion and the adjacent surface of the insert plate form a g uideway for the forward portion of the strip stock as the latter is advanced by the feed wheels. Although the strip stock is coiled on the supply spool, it becomes straightened out and of substantially monoplanar disposition as it passes through the just'mentioned guideway to the fastener-applying station. The arrangement of these parts is best shown in FIGURE 11, which is a vertical, cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIGURE 10 but also showing the die plate 14 to facilitate an understanding of the construction.- Also shown in FIGURES 10 and 11 is the trip finger 101 which has a forward portion parallel with the forward surface of the insert plate 132 and a central, offset portion passing through aligned openings formed in the insert plate and the vertical mounting plate 10, so that the other end of the trip finger is disposed on the opposite side of the machine.

In FIGURE 10, the end of the strip stock 39 is shown advanced to the cut off station, that is, between the normally-spaced mating ends of the dies 125, 126. A generally triangular-shaped member 134, made of spring steel, is secured to the reverse side of the mounting plate 10, extends through a similarly-shaped, clearance opening formed in the mounting plate, and has an. integral, in: wardly, directed tip 135 which partially overlies that portion of the strip stock disposed between the dies. FIG- URE 6 shows the member 134 secured to the mounting plate 10 by the nut 136 cooperating with the screw 137, the upper portion of the member projecting into the die channel through the opening 133. The member 134 also includes an elongated dimple 139 which normally projects into the path of travel of the lower forming die 126. A similar, generally triangular-shaped member is carried by the die plate and is correspondingly disposed with respect to the strip 39 and the die channel when the die plate is secured in positionon the vertical mounting plate. A better understanding of the construction, arrangement and purposes of these triangular membcrswill be had upon a reading of the description with specific reference to FIGURES 12l4, below. For the present, and with continued reference to FIGURE 10, the inwardly-directed tips of the triangular members, such as the tip 135 visible in the drawing, restrain the strip against upward move ment during the cut off, or severing operation and then provide a stop for the central portion of the cut oif piece as the ends thereof are turned upwardly by the lower forming die. At the precise point of cut off, the, stripstock is confined within the channel formed between the insert plate 132 and the ledge 133. Now, as the lower die 125 is driven u wardly by the piston rod, theri ht hand edge of the die will shear off the overlying piece of the strip stock, thereby producing an individual fastener, and continued movement of the die will bend the fastener upwardly to form a generally U-shaped member having its base abutting the inwardly-directed tips of the triangular members. Continued upward movement of the die brings the detent 139, of the triangular member 134, into engagement with a corresponding one of two sloping surfaces formed in the front and rear face of the die 126, the front such surface being visible in FIGURE 10. Functionally, then, the continued upward movement of the die forces the triangular member 134 outwardly thereby removing the inwardly-directed tip 135 from its normal overlying position relative to the fastener strip and, at the same time, permits further unrestricted movement of the die. Eventually, the ends of the now U-shaped fastener are directed into the complementary curved recess formed in the upper die 125. The mating ends of the dies are so formed that the fastener is applied tightly as an encircling band around the twisted neck of the casing. A clearer understanding of the forming operation of the dies will be obtained from the description, hereinbelow, with specific reference to FIGURES 15-20. In FIGURE 10, it will be noted that the inwardly-directed tip 135, of the member 134, is disposed below the wall defining the casing-receiving slot 15 so that the cutting of the strip stock and forming thereof into a U-shape in no way affects the twisted casing neck which is disposed at the inner end of the slot.

As has already been described with reference to' FIG URES 2 and 5, the downward, return movement of the piston rod results in an advance of the strip stock and the extent of such advance can be adjusted readily and conveniently. In this respect, it will be noted that the end of the strip does not abut against a stop to limit the amount of strip advancement, but, rather, advancement of the strip is controlled by the angular rotation of the feed wheels 81, 82 for each cycle of machine operation. Hence, the length of strip severed from the supply roll can be adjusted, through rotation of the adjustment nut 72, by the operator to match the size of the twisted cas ing neck, whereby the metal band will have abutting ends when applied, tightly, to the casing neck.

Reference is now made to FIGURES 12-14, FIG- URE-12 showing the front surface of the die plate 14, FIGURE 13 showing the rear surface of the plate and FIGURE 14 being a vertical, cross-sectional view taken along the lines XIV XIV of FIGURE 13. The triangular member 134, corresponding to the similar member 134' shown in FIGURE 10, is secured to the die plate by means of the nut 136' and the fiush-headed screw 137. The upper: portion of the member 134 is offset and disposed within a triangular opening 138' formed in the die plate whereby the tip 135 and the detent 139' project beyond the inner surface of the plate. It is clear that when the die plate is secured in position on the vertical mounting plate, the member 134' will be aligned with, but reversely disposed to, the similar member 134. shown in FIGURE 10. The horizontal channel 145 formed in the rear, surface of the die plate, loosely accommodates the trip'finger 161, see FIGURE 10, and the vertical channel 146 serves a purpose to be described hereinbelow with specific reference to FIGURE 18. The semi-circular opening 147 matches the similar opening in the vertical mounting plate thereby forming a transverse receiving opening to accommodate the gathered casing neck at the fastener-applying station.

Reference is now made toFIGURE 15 which is a fragmentary, side view, similar to FIGURE 10,. but drawn to an enlarged scale. A headed pin 128 is forcefitted in an axial hole provided in the threaded shank of the adjusting knob 19 and such shank operates in the threaded hole provided in the block 129 that is secured firmly to the mounting plate 10. The upper end of the relatively-fixed die 125 is provided with a central slot terminating in an enlarged, transverse opening 127 for receiving the head of the pin 128. Such arrangement permits removal of the die from the die channel and, at the same time, affords a means for the adjustment of the spacing between the operating ends of the two dies upon rotation of the knob 19. This feature is highly desirable as it permits an inexperienced operator to condition the machine for proper operation on a twisted casing neck having a given, nominal diameter. Specifically, for a casing neck of relatively small nominal diameter, the relative spacing between the dies is less than that required for a casing neck of relatively large nominal diameter. In either case, a proper die spacing results in the ends of the fastener abutting each other when the fastener is applied around the casing neck as a tight, circular band.

In FIGURE 15, the dies 125, 126 are shown in the fully open position with the forward portion of the strip stock 39 advanced between the dies ready for the cut-oif operation and the twisted neck of the casing 17 is shown inserted to the innermost end of the receiving slot 15, that is, in the fastener-applying position. In this position, the casing neck has engaged the end of the trip finger 101 and moved such finger slightly to the right, thereby actuating the machine, as has already been de-' scribed. It will be noted that the end of the strip stock 39 is disposed below the inwardly-extending tip 135 of the triangular member. The described dispositions of the dies, thestrip stock and the casing neck are also shown in FIGURE 18 which is a vertical, cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIGURE 15.

As best shown in FIGURE 18, the block 129 is provided with holes 151, 151 accommodating the upper ends of COIIBCI. springs 152, 152'. These springs are disposed on opposite sides of the vertical mounting plate 10 and the springs individually rest upon the outwardly-directed tabs 153, 153' which are integral with the respective slides, 154, 154. The left slide 154 is vertically movable within a vertical slot formed in the mounting plate, whereas the right slide 154' is similarly operable in a vertical slot 146 (see FIGURE 13) formed in the rear face of the die plate 14. An isometric view of the right slide 154' is shown clearly in FIGURE 21, it being apparent the left slide 154 is of similar construction.

The springs 152, 152 are under compression and bias the respective slides 154, 154' downwardly so that the tabs 153, 153' rest upon the lower wall defining the holes through which the tabs protrude outwardly. In this normal position of the slides, the lower ends thereof normally extend into the enlarged transverse opening which receives the twisted casing neck. Consequently, when the casing neck is in thefastener-applying position, these slides exert a spring-biased pressure normal to the neck axis and along two planes on either side of the dies. This prevents undesirable upward movement of the casing neck and retains the upper surface of the bag neck spaced from the forming end of the upper die during the fastener-applying operation, thereby preventing possible pinching of the casing material as the ends of the fastener are brought into abutting relation to form the circular band.

FIGURE 18 clearly shows the inwardly-directed fingers 135, overlying the strip stock 39 and the position of the detents 132, 139 which normally lie in the path of travel of the lower die 126, the latter being secured to the p ston rod 45 by the pin 130. Also shown are the sloping, vertical surfaces 140, that are formed in opposite faces of the die 126, which surfaces spread the members 126, 126 outwardly upon upward movement of the lower die 126 to thereby remove the fingers 135-, 135' from the die channel. The forward, sloping surface 140 in the die 126 is shown in the isometric view of the dies 125, 126, FIGURE 22.

Since the casing neck is disposed in the fastener-applying position, the trip finger has been displaced to thereby start the machine operation cycle, such cycle comprising a continuous upward'movement of the lower die to the die-closed position and a return of the die to the open or normal position, which normal position is shown in FIGURES 15 and 18. As the lower die 126 moves upward the right, upper end 131 thereof shears the strip stock (see particularly FIGURES 1S and 22) along the plane containing the right side of the die and the left side of the hardened plate 132. During the shearing action, the free end portion of the strip is restrained from upward movement by the overlying fingers 135, 135' (see particularly FIGURE 18). The severed portion of the strip stock constitutes an individual fastener. As the lower die continues its upward movement, the fingers 135, 135 remain in the overlying position relative to the severed portion of the strip thereby forming, for the time being, a fixed stop centrally disposed with respect to the ends of the severed portion of the strip. Consequently, further upward movement of the die 126 forces the ends of the severed strip upwardly to thereby form a substantially U-shaped member, the upper surface of the die 126 being provided with a concave recess for this purpose (see particularly FIGURE 22) FIGURES 16 and 19, the latter being a vertical cross sectional view taken along the line XIXXIX of FIG- URE 146, illustrate the intermediate position of the lower die, that is, at that point wherein the severed portion of the strip 39 is formed into the U-shape. It will be noted that such U-shaped piece is still spaced from the casing neck at this point in the operating cycle of the machine. At this point, the sloping surfaces 140, 140' (see FIGURE 19) formed in the lower die, are in initial engagement with the respective detents 139, 139 of the triangular members 134, 134'. It is apparent that further upward movement of the lower die results in a wedging action thereby spreadthe triangular members outwardly a distance such that the fingers 135, 135' are removed from the path of travel of the die and,'ofi course, clear of the now U-shaped fastener. r

FIGURES 17 and 20, the latter being a vertical, crosssectional view taken along the line XX-U of FIGURE 1-7, show the lower die at its upper limit of travel, that is, the position wherein the dies are fully closed. The spread-apart disposition of the fingers 135, 135' is best shown in FIGURE 20. As the lower die moves to the die-closed position, it carries the U-shaped fastener toward the mating surface of the upper, relatively-fixed die 125 having a complementary semi-circular recess formed in the operating end, see FIGURE 22. The ends of the U-shaped fastener first enter the recess in the upper die 125 and are thereby bowed toward each other along the arc of a circle. After the ends of the U-shaped fastener have been forced into sliding engagement with the circular wall of the upper die, the center of the fastener comes into contact with the casing neck and the neckis raised slightly. However, the arrangement is such that the raising of the casingneck occurs simultaneously with the final formation of the fastener into a circular-band with the fastener ends preferably in abutting relation. During the final action of the dies, the ends of the spring-biased slides 154, 15 i preventuundesirable expansion of the casing neck inthe immediate vicinity of the dies, which expansion might possibly result in the ends of the fastener pinching the casing material as the fastener ends were brought into abutting relation. The final result is a neat, circular band tightly applied to the casing neck. Removal of the casing, having the fastener applied thereto, from the machine is accomplished by merely withdrawing same along the slot 15, see FIGURE 1, the guideway 16, of increased width, accommodating the circular band fastener. It is again pointed out, however, that the machine operates cyclically. Movement of the trip finger, upon insertion of the bag neck into the fastener-applying station, automatically starts the machine whereby the dies are moved continuously from the normally-open position shown in FIG- URES 15 and 18, to the normally-closed position shown in FIGURES 17 and 19, and back to the normally-open position. Unless and until the fastened casing is withdrawn from the machine, the trip finger remains deflected thereby preventing a-second cycle of machine operation.

As has already been pointed out, the extent of the strip stock advanced to the cut-off station upon each cycle of machine operation can be adjusted so that the length of the cut fastener will match the nominal diameter of a particular twisted casing neck. This feature, together with the convenient means for adjusting the spacing between the dies results in a circular band tightly applied to the casing neck. Preferably, the length of the fastener is such that the ends thereof will be brought into abutting relation although the machine will operate equally well to produce a circular fastener wherein the ends overlap slightly. Aluminum strip, approximately one-quarter hard, having a thickness of approximately 0.035" and a width of approximately 0.250", is satisfactory for making fasteners suitable for sealing a large variety of flexible bags, casings, etc.

In our co-pending United States patent application filed July 18, 1960, Serial Number 43,357 and entitled, Fastener For Flexible Containers, there is disclosed a strip fastener having a novel configuration and which is made from pre-formed strip stock. Specifically, one surface of the strip stock is provided with a recessed area as, for example, one or more channels running length wise of the strip stock. When such fastener is applied to a casing neck, the channels lie in planes normal to the bag axis and are filled by the casing material. Such self-gripping action of the fastener is of particular applicability to containers made of inherently slippery material as certain plastics, natural animal casings, etc,, or for use in containers wherein the contents are packed under pressure. FIGURE 23 is a central, cross-sectional view showing a fastener 169 of this type, applied to the gathered neck of a casing 161. In this case, the strip stock is preformed with rounded corners and with two longitudinally-extending channels formed in one surface. When the end of the strip stock is severed and applied to the casing neck by the machine herein described, the channels lie in planes normal to the neck axis and are filled With the casing material, whereby the fas tenor cannot become loose due to handling and cannot slide along the casing neck under the influence of the pressure applied thereto by the encased products such as, for example, a compacted meat product packaged under relatively high pressure conditions.

The formation of a flat strip fastener and application thereof to the casing does not involve a crimping, dirnpling or mechanical locking operation thereby reducing to a minimum the possibility of puncturing the casing material either during the fastener-applying operation or subsequent rough'handiing of the finished product. Inasmuch as the individual fasteners are cut from preformed stock there is no wastage of material and the user is spared the cost and inconvenience of carrying a large inventory of different size fasteners. The machine is portable and can be used without modification, with equal facility by right-handed or left-handed operators.

Having now given a detailed description of the construction and operation of the machine, various changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in this art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the following claims.

We claim:

1. A machine for applying a metal fastener to the gathered neck of a flexible container comprising a mounting plate having a die channel formed therein; upper and lower co-acting dies slidably received in said die channel; means forming an entrance slot in said mounting plate which slot terminates in an enlarged substantially circular receiving opening having an axis normal to the said die channel and intermediate of the co-acting ends of the dies; a first adjusting means mechanically coupled to the upper die to set the forming surface of the die to a predetermined position relative' to the axis of the receiving opening; drive means surfaces of the upper die and extending into the said receiving opening for engagement by the container neck; a power-control means operable from Off to On position to connect the said power means to a source of power; a linkage mechanism connected between the said control means and the said power-control means causing movement of the power-control means to the On position upon deflection of the said control means; a supply spool rotatably carried by the mounting plate and carrying a continuous length of strip stock; feed means operable by the drive means for advancing the end of the strip stock to astrip severing position over the operating end of the lower die when the dies are in open position; a second adjusting means associated with the feed means for presetting the length of the strip stock advanced to the strip severing position upon operation of the feed means; a pair of spring-material members carried by the mounting plate and disposed on opposite faces of the lower die, each such member having inwardly-extending fingers normally overlying the forward end ofthe strip stock and extending into the path of travel of the lower die; cooperating means between each of said spring-material members and the lower die to spread the said fingers outwardly out of the path of travel of the lower die upon a predetermined upward movement of the die; means cooperating with an upper edge of the lower die for severing the strip stock upon a predetermined upward movement of the die and prior to the spreading out of the said fingers; forming means in the lower die and cooperating with the said fingers to form the severed portion of the strip stock into a substantially U-shape prior to the spreading out of the said fingers; forming means in the upper die and co-acting with the forming means of the lower die to form the severed portion of the strip stock as a substantially circular band around the casing neck when the dies are in the closed position; means including the said linkage mechanism for operating the said power-control means to the OE position when the dies reach the fully-closed position; and means effective upon operation of the said power-control means to the Off position to drive the said power means in the reverse direction to thereby return the dies to the open position.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1, including means operatively associated with the said linkage mechanism for retaining the said power-control means in the Off position until the container neck is removed from the said receiving opening.

3. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein the said drive means is an air-operated piston rod and the 16 said power-control means is a valve connecting the drive means to a source of air under pressure.

4. The invention as recited in claim 3, wherein the said linkage mechanism comprises a rotatable vertical rod having a bifurcated end carrying a pin;, mean s pi v otally securing the said control means intermediate ofithe ends of said vertical rod; a horizontally-disposed end, having one end secured to the said power-control means and the other end extending in spaced relation to the said piston rod; means forming a notch in the said horizontally-disposed member which notch normally hasjthe said pin disposed therein for movementof the said valve to the On position upon deflection of the said control means; spring means normally biasing thesaid horizontally-disposed rod ina direction to move the said valve? to the Ofi" position; and means carried by the said piston rod for sliding engagement with the said other end of the horizontally-disposed rod to thereby disengage the said pin from the said notch when the pistonrod reaches, its upper limit of movement. I

5. In a fastener applying machine of the type compris ing a pair of axially-spaced, cooperating dies relatively movable in a die channel from an open position toa closed position thereby to form a fiat strip fastener into a circular band, means forming an entrance slot terminating in a receiving opening transversely intersecting the die channel intermediate of the co-acting surfaces oi the dies, and power means for effecting, closure of the, dies thereby to apply the fastener as an encircling band around the gathered container neckpositioned in the receiving opening; the improvement wherein the power means is an air cylinder having a, piston rod axiallyaligned with the said dies and mechanically coupled-only to one of the dies, and including manually-adjustable means mechanically coupled to the other diethereby to, set the forming surface of the die to a prcdetermined position relative to the axis of the said receiving opening;

6. The improvement as recited in claim 5, wherein the said receiving opening is substantially circular and of larger size than the said entrance slot, and including spring-biased means slidable along opposite surfaces of the said other die and extending into the receiving open ing for engagement by the container neclg. I

7. The improvement as recited in claim 6,' wherein the central portion of the walls forming saidentrancc slot are provided with reversely-disposed grooves jform: ing a central channel extending the length of the entrance slot and communicating with the receiving 'open- References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Oussani July 16,1946 

1. A MACHINE FOR APPLYING A METAL FASTENER TO THE GATHERED NECK OF A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER COMPRISING A MOUNTING PLATE HAVING A DIE CHANNEL FORMED THEREIN; UPPER AND LOWER CO-ACTING DIES SLIDABLY RECEIVED IN SAID DIE CHANNEL; MEANS FORMING AN ENTRANCE SLOT IN SAID MOUNTING PLATE WHICH SLOT TERMINATES IN AN ENLARGED SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR RECEIVING OPENING HAVING AN AXIS NORMAL TO THE SAID DIE CHANNEL AND INTERMEDIATE OF THE CO-ACTING ENDS OF THE DIES; A FIRST ADJUSTING MEANS MECHANICALLY COUPLED TO THE UPPER DIE TO SET THE FORMING SURFACE OF THE DIE TO A PREDETERMINED POSITION RELATIVE TO THE AXIS OF THE RECEIVING OPENING; DRIVE MEANS AXIALLY ALIGNED WITH THE DIES AND MECHANICALLY COUPLED ONLY TO THE LOWER DIE FOR ADVANCING THE LOWER DIE RELATIVE TO THE UPPER DIE FROM A DIE-OPEN TO A DIECLOSED POSITION; CONTROL MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAID RECEIVING OPENING AND DEFLECTABLE BY THE GATHERED NECK OF A CONTAINER WHEN THE LATTER IS INSERTED INTO THE RECEIVING OPENING; SPRING-BIASED MEANS SLIDABLE ALONG OPPOSITE SURFACES OF THE UPPER DIE AND EXTENDING INTO THE SAID RECEIVING OPENING FOR ENGAGEMENT BY THE CONTAINER NECK; A POWER-CONTROL MEANS OPERABLE FROM OFF TO ON POSITION TO CONNECT THE SAID POWER MEANS TO A SOURCE OF POWER; A LINKAGE MECHANISM CONNECTED BETWEEN THE SAID CONTROL MEANS AND THE SAID POWER-CONTROL MEANS CAUSING MOVEMENT OF THE POWER-CONTROL MEANS TO THE ON POSITION UPON DEFLECTION OF THE SAID CONTROL MEANS; A SUPPLY SPOOL ROTATABLY CARRIED BY THE MOUNTING PLATE AND CARRYING A CONTINUOUS LENGTH OF STRIP STOCK; FEED MEANS OPERABLE BY THE DRIVE MEANS FOR ADVANCING THE END OF THE STRIP STOCK TO A STRIP SEVERING POSITION OVER THE OPERATING END OF THE LOWER DIE WHEN THE DIES ARE IN OPEN POSITION; A SECOND ADJUSTING MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FEED MEANS FOR PRESETTING THE LENGTH OF THE STRIP STOCK ADVANCED TO THE STRIP SEVERING POSITION UPON OPERATION OF THE FEED MEANS; A PAIR OF SPRING-MATERIAL MEMBERS CARRIED BY THE MOUNTING PLATE AND DISPOSED ON OPPOSITE FACES OF THE LOWER DIE, EACH SUCH MEMBER HAVING INWARDLY-EXTENDING FINGERS NORMALLY OVERLYING THE FORWARD END OF THE STRIP STOCK AND EXTENDING INTO THE PATH OF TRAVEL OF THE LOWER DIE; COOPERATING MEANS BETWEEN EACH OF SAID SPRING-MATERIAL MEMBERS AND THE LOWER DIE TO SPREAD THE SAID FINGERS OUTWARDLY OUT OF THE PATH OF TRAVEL OF THE LOWER DIE UPON A PREDETERMINED UPWARD MOVEMENT OF THE DIE; MEANS COOPERATING WITH AN UPPER EDGE OF THE LOWER DIE FOR SEVERING THE STRIP STOCK UPON A PREDETERMINED UPWARD MOVEMENT OF THE DIE AND PRIOR TO THE SPREADING OUT OF THE SAID FINGERS; FORMING MEANS IN THE LOWER DIE AND COOPERATING WITH THE SAID FINGERS TO FORM THE SEVERED PORTION OF THE STRIP STOCK INTO A SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPE PRIOR TO THE SPREADING OUT OF THE SAID FINGERS; FORMING MEANS IN THE UPPER DIE AND CO-ACTING WITH THE FORMING MEANS OF THE LOWER DIE TO FORM THE SEVERED PORTION OF THE STRIP STOCK AS A SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR BAND AROUND THE CASING NECK WHEN THE DIES ARE IN THE CLOSED POSITION; MEANS INCLUDING THE SAID LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR OPERATING THE SAID POWER-CONTROL MEANS TO THE OFF POSITION WHEN THE DIES REACH THE FULLY-CLOSED POSITION; AND MEANS EFFECTIVE UPON OPERATION OF THE SAID POWER-CONTROL MEANS TO THE OFF POSITION TO DRIVE THE SAID POWER MEANS IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION TO THEREBY RETURN THE DIES TO THE OPEN POSITION. 